Since I'm in Britain, Paris isn't too far away for me. I'm rather tempted to go to the show there, have a few days in Paris, see the Palais Garnier and some of the other Paris high spots. Go via London, and catch a performance at Her Majesty's, either on the way out or the way back. However, I've never been much of a traveller, never been to France and speak very little French. I'm a bit daunted at the prospect of doing all the organising. What I'd really like would be for some enterprising travel agent to set up a Phantom outing, with them arranging hotels, transport etc.

So if anyone hears about any such trips being advertised, please post a link here - it would be much appreciated.

Do you mean in the theatre's auditions page? It includes a requirement for singers of both sexes aged between 20 and 50. Maybe they plan to find a Meg there. It seems unlikely that they would already have a Meg lined up, when they are auditioning for all the major roles.

Incidentally, the audition page says (google translation) "Availability requested continuously from 19 August 2016 for a period of one year minimum." So although the theatre is only booking October and November at the moment, it looks like the run will be much longer than that. That's not surprising, given the technical requirements of Phantom. If they're going to set it all up (I'm hoping this production will be a replica of the original, and not the current tour) then they need to run it for quite a while to recoup the costs.

October is quite heavily booked already, but more seats are available in November. I've committed myself now - I've booked for two shows on consecutive evenings in November, with seats in different parts of the house. If anyone wants to browse availability, although the theatre website is in French, once you get on to the booking page ("Je Reserve") you can select an option for English.

I've been following the news about this production . . . Awesome that you're going to see it, Mary! I'm looking forward to seeing who they cast. Hope there will be a cast recording, as well. And that's interesting, that they're telling auditionees to be prepared for a commitment that may be a year or longer! Hope this will be a long-running production.

Hope there will be a cast recording, as well. ... Hope this will be a long-running production.

I agree, James. I'd very much like there to be a cast CD. And maybe even publication of the French libretto. I've been amusing myself trying to translate "Insolent boy!" in 4 punchy syllables! I know I won't understand much of the French lyrics, but that hardly matters because I know the show well enough. I can just focus on the experience.

I won't burden myself with any merchandise that I could equally well get in London, like mugs, keyrings etc. But I'll be on the lookout for things exclusive to the French production.

I'm excited it'll finally be playing in French, since that's the language they really "should" be speaking! I might be going to Europe next summer and I'm definitely considering checking this out if I do.